WARDING OFF EVIL: An Ason local preparing to burn the effigy of demon Ghantakarna in an annual ritual carried out in various neighbourhoods of Kathmandu Valley to ward off the evils that bring diseases and deaths. The day when this is performed is called Pishach Chaturdashi.

A boy begs for alms to ward off evil during the Gathemangal festival in Kathmandu, Wednesday. nepalnews.com

I want gathey mangal authi.

Ghantakarna festival celebrated in Kathmandu

The Ghantakarna or Gathemangal festival was celebrated by acting out a legendry drama in Kathmandu on Wednesday. This festival is observed by the Newar community in which the exorcism of the mythical demon Ghantakarna takes place.

According to local legend, Ghantakarna with bells in his ears used to terrify the people of Kathmandu valley by stealing their children and women. The farmers feared going out to the fields during the harvesting period and he was so powerful that no one could defeat him.

Then god in the guise of a frog teased him and made the demon follow him to a well. When Ghantakarna tried to grab the frog, the frog jumped into the well and he followed and drowned.

People make an effigy of the demon and burn it at various junctions at Indrachowk. At the end of the festival, the effigy is dragged to a nearby river bank and disposed.

People wear metal rings, which is believed to protect them from the evil. nepalnews.com rh Aug 08

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